It's been a while...

So much for trying to keep you all up with what's going on with the Mesones family. We're still trucking along...

Natalia turned 5 in November, and is already counting the days 'til she's six (well, 12 actually...for some reason that's the magic number for her). Their desire to grow so quickly always seems to amaze me. I keep telling her she needs to slow down...but she just rolls her eyes at me. (Can you believe it?!)

Nico is even more of a handful than he was back in October. He certainly has a way of making his feelings known. He's got such a personality...complete strangers can't help but comment on how "adorable" he is, or how BIG he is, or how "wise" he looks. Natalia is usually quick to point out that they have the same long eyelashes.

Smokey is taking everything in stride. I've never known a dog to be so good with kids. Not once has he snapped. He enjoys sleeping late in the mornings (sometimes he doesn't even get up to say goodbye to everybody!). He's a great help around breakfast, lunch and dinner. Of course snack time is also a busy time for him. Smokey is pretty good about keeping food off the floor, highchair and (when no one's looking) the table. He's a good boy--the home would be empty without him.

Then there's Crystal, our transvestite beta fish. (She's male, but Natalia doesn't care...her name is Crystal and she's a she!) If there ever was a fish with personality, it's Crystal. She's such a fun little fishy...she loves to dance when the kids dance in front of her. She gets upset when she's not fed more than 2 times a day or when her water needs changing. She's been a wonderful addition to our entourage.

Jorge and I are still trying to make ends meet. I won't lie to you...these hard economic times have hit us pretty hard in the gut, but we're pulling through. Jorge is about to go part-time with his mortgage loan work, and take on another job with a roadside assistance company. The new job pretty-much guarantees a paycheck every week--that's all we're looking for at this point.

I'm still working as an electronic communications specialist. Things are picking up in my field as more and more companies are cutting back on hard-copy communications and travel, opting for a more electronic means to communicate and exchange information and knowledge. It's been interesting, to say the least.

It's been a long, strange trip...and we're getting a bit weary. We'll just have to buck it up and be strong for all the kids out there and hope they don't feel the same pain we do. I find myself saying often: "this too shall pass." Why does it always seem like the next rest stop is 50 miles away when you really need a break?

We can only hope that the world comes out of it a little smarter, happier, and full of grace. Let 's get it right this time!

Love ya! Peace out!

Busy, busy, busy...

Hello again! And to think I started this darn thing thinking I'd have time to keep folks up-to-date! Things around here have been super busy. Work has been stressful for both of us. I think there's a light at the end of the tunnel, but I'm afraid to admit it until I'm positive it's there.

Nico turned one on Saturday, Oct. 17. He had a blast. The boy's a walkin fool...follows Natalia everywhere. He's got the best laugh! Natalia will be turning five on Nov. 15...it's so amazing how quickly they grow. What would my life be without them?

The kids are going to be sporting Batgirl and Batman costumes this year for Halloween.

Me and the kids are looking forward to heading out to visit my parents out in OK. Dad will finally get to meet his grandson! Natalia is looking forward to "helping grandma make stuff." She'll also be celebrating an early birthday while we're out there.

It's beginning to feel like Fall around here (I used to think "Autumn" sounded so poetic...now it just sounds muddy to me). The air is cool and crisp, and the leaves are beginning to lose their grip on the trees. Before you know it we'll be at the table eating Thanksgiving dinner with our loved ones...then on to Christmas and then toasting to a happy and prosperous (hopefully...we need it!) new year.

I hope everyone is doing well, and I'll try to do a better job at keeping y'all in the loop.

Love to all,

Mandy

July 6, 2008

I hope everybody had a fun Independence Day. It was unusually quiet around here this year...I don't know if they're cracking down harder on the personal fireworks, or if folks just didn't want to spend their money on it.

We spent our 4th of July here at home. Natalia went swimming in the pool with her father while Nico took a nap and I tried to pick up the mess the two of them left behind.

In the evening we visited Jorge's tio and tia. They did get out and purchase a couple of packages of fireworks. We lit up one package, then had an hour or so intermission while the rain washed everything clean before we lit the other package. The kids enjoyed it (even Nico--as long as his ears were covered). Of course, his Uncle's dog tried to grab a lit firework...I've always seen dogs run away from fireworks. Needless to say, the dog was forced to wait inside until the fireworks were over. (Mind you, this is the same dog that would rather fetch rocks than balls.)

We're off to Jenny's 9th birthday party this afternoon. They had plans for a pool party, but it looks like those plans may get rained out. We'll see what we can come up with for an alternative!

The kids were having such a good time together last night, I decided it was a perfect time for an impromptu photo shoot.



Love to all!
The Mesones Family

The Boy Goes Wild!

I just had to share this. I turned my back for a minute to clean some dishes in the kitchen, and found that Nicholas had managed to get his hands on a newspaper. Natalia got a good laugh out of it too. I hope it's not too long...I've still got to figure out how to shorten the video clips.

Welcome to our blog

Well, I've decided to start a blog for the Mesones family...falling in line with the likes of the Marietta Roots (although surely not as clever as they are).

I actually just spent about an hour writing our first blog, but then managed to erase the entire posting--so I'll keep this one short.

WELCOME! The Mesones Familia (Natalia, Nicholas, Smokey, Jorge, and Mandy) has moved from Dale City, VA to Alexandria, VA. We are enjoying living "closer-in," and are getting used to urban life again.

Natalia (4 1/2 years old) is spending her summer days with her cousin Jenny and is happier than a pig in mud. In fact, we're lucky to see her at all, as she has managed to spend the night there quite a bit. She's also enjoying the pool we have here, and is beginning to learn how to swim.

Nicholas (8 months old) is spending his summer days at his babysitter's. He seems very happy there. He is finally starting to work his way from a creeping/military crawl, to actually crawling and is pretty quick to get around any way he can. Oh! And, how come nobody warned me how LOUD boys are!?!?!?!

Smokey (almost 3 years old?) is adjusting to urban life fairly well too. He loves the two doggie parks right here on the premises, and has already made several friends. While he misses making us get up to let him in and out of the house every ten minutes, I'm sure he'll find other ways to annoy us.

Jorge commutes to McLean, VA everyday--still a commute but not as bad as the commute from and to Dale City.

I am loving my commute to and from Arlington every day (that's a 15-20 minute commute...compared to 90-300 minute commute from Dale City).

We are all enjoying being closer to one another (which actually surprises me), and keeping the house clean is so much easier with just one level to keep clean!

I'd better quit blogging while I'm ahead. I'll be posting more (hopefully on a regular basis), and welcome your comments.

In the meantime, I hope you are all doing well!
Love ya!
M